Kitchen Safety Tips

Is your current kitchen safe? Will your new kitchen be safe? Review this checklist of planning guidelines, developed by the National Kitchen & Bath Association. They'll help reduce the risk of accidental burns, electrocution, fire, collisions and other mishaps.

• Keep household "traffic" out of the primary cook's work triangle (the area between the refrigerator, sink and cooking surface).
• Plan a landing space (at least 15" wide by 16" deep) for hot dishes, pots and baking trays either next to, above, or directly across from both the microwave and oven.
• Include a minimum 15" by 16" landing space on one side of the cooktop. In all kitchens, space must also be allowed on the opposite side of the appliance.
• Include at least a 9" wide counter space if the cooking surface is placed in an open run of counter.
• Include at least 3" of counter clearance space if the cooking surface is at the end of a countertop that meets a wall. The wall should be protected by a flame retardant surface.
• Include at least 9" of straight counter space if the cooking surface is on an island. Also allow a 9" clearance at the back of island cooking surfaces.
• Select a cooking surface with control knobs at the front or side of the appliance.
• Place the microwave so its bottom is 24" to 48" above the floor.
• Make sure all major appliances used for surface cooking have a ventilation system, with a fan rated at 150 CFM minimum.
• Do not place a cooking surface below an operable window unless the window is at least 3" behind it and more than 24" above it.
• Put a fire extinguisher in a visible kitchen location, away from cooking equipment.
• Install smoke alarms near the kitchen.
• Be sure ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) are specified for all electrical receptacles.
• Round, curve or clip countertop edges and corners to eliminate sharp edges.

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Reprinted with permission by the National Kitchen and Bath Association